Telegram has completed 13 years since its launch and has released a new update to mark the anniversary. The update adds Welcome Messages for new members, interactive buttons inside messages, inline documents, app update placeholders and signed gifts from the Telegram Marketplace.
Welcome Messages
Groups and channels now support Welcome Messages that are visible only to newly joined members. Owners can create custom welcome messages to provide information to new members without displaying the messages to other members in the chat.
A welcome pack can include:
- Multiple messages
- Media
- Rich formatting
- Tables
- Inline media
To add a Welcome Message, open the group or channel profile and select Edit > Welcome Message, then create the messages.
Buttons in Messages
Developers can now add multiple buttons directly inside messages, allowing text to become interactive. The buttons can be combined with ephemeral messages to create automated flows.
These interactive flows can be used for:
- Surveys
- Games
- Horoscopes
- Quizzes
- Viewing products
- Ordering products
Messages with interactive buttons can be posted in groups and channels, where multiple users can interact with them. For example, separate users can play simultaneous games such as chess within the same group.
Creating automated flows with buttons requires coding.
Inline Documents in Messages
Telegram’s rich text editor now supports additional types of inline media, allowing users to place documents, files and music anywhere within their text.
Inline files can be attached in two taps. To open the text editor, tap the ⛶ icon that appears after typing more than three lines in the message input field.
App Update Placeholders
Telegram now displays a placeholder when an outdated app version cannot render a newly introduced feature. The placeholder includes a button to download the latest app update.
Automatic updates can be enabled through the following settings:
- Android: Play Store > Settings > Network Preferences > Auto-update Apps
- iOS: Settings > Apps > App Store > App Updates
Signed Gifts
Users can now add a signature and comment when sending gifts purchased through the Telegram Marketplace. Telegram Stars can be used to purchase gifts from the Marketplace.
To send a gift from the Telegram Marketplace:
- Open the recipient’s profile.
- Tap ⋮ / ⋯ > Send a Gift.
- Select the Collectible filter.
- Choose an upgraded collectible gift.
Availability
The update is rolling out as version 12.10.1 or later on supported platforms.